Composer Serios New Endeavor With Viva Voce
This is the 19th in a series of interviews with the next generation of classical musicians -ED
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Renato Serio, celebrated Italian conductor, composer and orchestrator, has worked with artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman and Josh Groban. His latest project has brought him to South Korea to embark on an all-new musical journey with four young singers of tomorrow, Viva Voce.
``I heard the song of the future,'' the 61-year-old said in an interview with The Korea Times about hearing Viva Voce for the first. The Korean music they sang time at a music festival last year in Rome struck a powerful chord for him, prompting him to meet the young artists and travel to Seoul to direct their first album.
``Korean songs have a very simple melody, but express all the emotions and meanings,'' he said. For their recording, the maestro presents two new works, details of which are not yet released. They are arranged in European style but are marked by the beautiful simplicity found in Korean melodies, said Serio.
The members ― three tenors and one baritone ― are all up and coming soloists active on Korean and European stages. ``I am ecstatic to work with such a maestro. He treats us like sons,'' said first tenor Lee El, 26. ``He really regards us with such tenderness and benevolence,'' agreed Joshua, also 26 and third tenor. To this comment, their ``father'' Serio, smiled brightly. ``We all started singing in Korea and then studied in Italy, and the maestro continues to inspire us,'' said Alfredo, 27, second tenor. ``It's truly an honor. He is opening up a new musical horizon for us,'' said baritone Gounod, 26.
What greatly excites Serio is that while the four singers are individually special soloists, they harmonize to create an organ-like sound. ``They transform and fuse their unique, colorful voices to create a choral, organ-like sound. It's like creating a sumptuous meal with different ingredients that go well together,'' he said.
The members said that, while working and lodging together, they influenced one another's personality and musicality. Lim Seong-kyu, a veteran baritone and head of the International Music Company that founded Viva Voce, said the young men were like a fraternity. ``We have come to create true harmony, synchronizing El's high notes with Joshua's middle range and Gounod's warm, aromatic lows,'' said Alfredo.
Such group dynamics make them compatible for songs Serio originally composed for one voice. The music, while strongly rooted in tradition, is young and fresh, heightened by the youthful exuberance of the singers. ``Our slogan is to give a young party-like concert,'' said the maestro.
Youth, good looks and talent ― are they the Korean version of Il Divo? No, the composer said firmly. He has worked with the sensational American crossover group but maintains that the roots are completely different. ``Il Divo is based on pop, backed by mellow piano or violin tunes, but Viva Voce is meant to be accompanied by a full symphony orchestra in a big concert hall,'' he said.
Other tracks on their upcoming album include staples of operatic arias and Italian classics from Naples. They are singers of tomorrow, but by virtue of knowing the songs of yesterday. Serio envisions a music that transfers artistry from the past to the present, something that can be appreciated in both an opera house and a large hall full of young people.
``Classical music is often perceived as being difficult, but what we're doing is delivering music in an easier way for easier listening without losing the essence of the genre,'' said Gounod.
Viva Voce, under the wings of Serio, is anticipated to be a breath of fresh air to not only the local classical music scene but for a larger, more international audience, which is awaiting the latest works of genius from the master composer.
``These singers are in full bloom, and they have been wonderful so far (in the recording process). My only hope is that they maintain their passion and anticipation as novices,'' said Serio with a smile.
Viva Voce's first album will be released in late September or early October.